The former Indian World Cup-winning captain, MS Dhoni, has noted on the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the two star batters, heading into the ODI World Cup 2027, scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Both these veterans only feature in the ODIs for the blue brigade, having retired from the longest and shortest formats of the game. 

During a recent interaction on Mahi Unplugged with Jatin Sapru, Dhoni joked and pretended not to hear the question first, before revealing that fitness won’t be a factor for Virat Kohli and Rohit playing in the next ODI World Cup.

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“Why not? Listen, the thing is—why should somebody not play the next World Cup? For me, age is not a criteria. Performance and fitness are the criteria. I always feel nobody should be told anything, but things should be clear: everyone will be treated the same way. When I made my debut, I was 24. Nobody came and told me anything then.” Dhoni expressed in the event.

MS Dhoni seeks Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play ODI WC 2027

Kohli has been in rich form with several centuries in the previous two home centuries against South Africa and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Rohit, apart from the struggling Kiwi series, celebrated three fifties and one century in the six games against Australia and the Proteas.

Watch the video here: 

🚨 MS Dhoni wants Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli for the 2027 World Cup

MS Dhoni: Why should they not play? For me age is not the criteria, performance and fitness are. Just because someone is in their 30s, deciding whether they can play or not isn’t for us. There is always a need… pic.twitter.com/Z8QDRNzGMo

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) February 4, 2026

“So now, if I’m playing for India for one year, two years, ten years, or twenty years—whatever it is—nobody needs to come and tell me about my age. Is age a factor? No. Is fitness a factor? Yes, fitness is a factor. Even if you’re 22, if you’re not fit, you shouldn’t be there; there are criteria for playing international cricket.” Dhoni addressed. 

“When it comes to whether it’s Rohit, Virat, or other names that will come forward in three, five, or ten years, the whole thing is this: just because somebody is in their 30s, it’s not for us to decide whether they can play the next World Cup. It’s for them to decide. If they keep performing and have the urge to do well for the country, then why not?” The Ranchi-born concluded.

The vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, has revisited his conversation with Sachin Tendulkar, as it revealed that the former Indian captain and the batter of the side believed a young Virat Kohli possessed the ability to one day challenge and surpass the towering batting records with the bat. 

Shukla witnessed both Virat Kohli and Tendulkar during his time as the BCCI administrator. He recalled trying to persuade the batting records of the legends from one to another, so he could continue for another year and complete 25 years in international cricket.

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“What he has done as a cricketer is very difficult. There are no comparisons. And if he wanted, he could have played for another year or two. I told him to at least complete 25 years and play for another year. He said, ‘No. Raju bhai, I feel that I should leave now.’ He was very honest. ‘The day I feel that I cannot give 100 per cent to the game, I will give it up. I will walk away.’ That is what he did.” Shukla expressed.

Sachin Tendulkar predicts Virat Kohli to break his ODI records

Tendulkar finished his career with 18426 runs in 452 innings of the 50-over format at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 86.23, thanks to 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 200 runs against South Africa in Gwalior.

“He called me up and said that he was going to announce his retirement. I told him not to do it and to wait for a year. He said, ‘No, I think I will quit,’ and he gave it up.” Shukla explained in the same interaction.

Meanwhile, Kohli, who is likely to feature in his fifth ODI World Cup in 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, has already crossed Tendulkar’s record of most ODI centuries, as he has notched up 14797 runs in 299 innings at an average of 58.71 and a strike rate of 93/82, shouldering on 54 centuries and 77 fifties at the best score of 183 runs against Pakistan.

The talk of the town is whether Virat Kohli will feature in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, having already retired from the longest and shortest formats of the game. He recently smashed two half-centuries and two centuries in the last four innings against Australia and South Africa.

Virat, on December 24, featured in the clash against Andhra Pradesh in Delhi, and cracked a fine century to complete the successful chase of 299 runs. His childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, praised the knock and voted for Kohli’s inclusion in the World Cup.

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“Virat has been in brilliant form and has continued it for a long time. He recently scored those two centuries for India and played the domestic game to win the contest for Delhi after a long time, and he also played a sensational knock in the chase. See, he has been in good touch, and he is one of those players who is the most consistent for India. So, in my eyes, he is fully ready for the World Cup.” Rajkumar Sharma expressed in a video.

Rajkumar Sharma wants Virat Kohli to play in 2027 World Cup

Rajkumar addressed that he would always feel proud to be the coach of Kohli, who has won so many games for the Indian side over the years and has also developed his skills to provide consistent performances.

Watch the video here: 

Virat Kohli's coach Rajkumar Sharma - Virat Kohli is in brilliant form, He played domestic cricket after a long time, but still performed exceptionally well. He is the most consistent player in the Indian team and is fully ready for the World Cup 2027 🔥pic.twitter.com/5ThYmYDure

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) December 25, 2025

“See, Virat has been a massive player in world cricket, and he has been developing himself over the years to remain consistent in his game. There are different phases in every cricketer’s life. But that doesn’t take the quality out of the player. He has played some sensational knocks, and it can be seen how much the Indian fans love him.” Virat Kohli’s childhood coach shed light.

“There is no doubt in my mind that he plays several great knocks for the Indian side. The number of games he has won for the Indian side is huge and cannot be compared to others. And obviously, I feel proud to say that he is my trainee. So, there is nothing to be more proud of.” Rajkumar Sharma concluded.

People are talking a lot about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket. Both senior players have retired from Test and T20I cricket and are now playing only in the 50-over format.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Back in Vijay Hazare Trophy, Eyeing 2027 World Cup

Recently, both have been in great form. Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Series for his excellent batting against Australia, while Virat Kohli earned the same award in the three-match series against South Africa. In that series, Virat scored two centuries and an unbeaten fifty, and Rohit made two fifties as India won the series 2-1. Even though they are performing well, there are still questions about how much longer they will continue playing.

There were rumours that the BCCI was forcing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in this season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy. A few months ago, the board made it mandatory for centrally contracted players to play domestic cricket if they are not part of any international series.

But a BCCI official has denied these rumours, saying the board did not push the two stars to play. RevSportz reported that the official shook his head when asked if the BCCI had asked them to play. “They have decided, it’s their decision,” the official said.

Kohli has already confirmed that he will play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley also confirmed his participation. Rohit Sharma is expected to represent Mumbai in the tournament as well.
Even though Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have performed well in the last two series, head coach Gautam Gambhir has not given a clear answer about their future. He did not say whether they will play in the next ODI World Cup in 2027.

“They are world-class players, and their experience is very important in the team. They have been performing for a long time. Hopefully, they can keep doing well, which will be important in the 50-over format,” said Gambhir. “First, we have to remember that the ODI World Cup is two years away. Right now, it’s important to focus on the present and give young players a chance to show their talent,” he added.

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Kiplin Doriga, a wicketkeeper-batsman from Papua New Guinea, has been formally charged with robbery following a September 2025 incident that occurred in St. Helier, Jersey, as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League.  Doriga, 29, was arrested in the wee hours of August 25, 2025, and consequently made an appearance in court before a magistrate on August 27. 

Doriga pleaded guilty, but the court indicated the level of alleged crime was too serious for the magistrate to deal with, and therefore, the matter has been referred to a royal court, where there will be another scheduled hearing on November 28, 2025. Das not bail nor am I in custody until an off-form of November hearing is at hand. 

Doriga is a senior member of PNG cricket and has represented the country in the 2021 T20 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup. He has also played 39 ODIs and 43 T20Is for PNG and amassed over 1,000 runs (2589) in international matches. While his recent arrest has thrown a spanner into PNG's readiness to face Canada and pertaining to the contest in Jersey, Cricket PNG has indicated the situation is an individual incident, and the team is independent of his circumstance, in regard to the completion and participation once the tournament is confirmed to generate funds for families.

Papua New Guinea’s Challenge League Performance

Papua New Guinea had a mixed overall performance in the CWC Challenge League. They played a total of nine matches during their two phases of the tournament and came away with four wins, four losses, and one no result. They finish the first phase with nine points and a net run rate of -0.131

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PNG got off to a good start in the September-October 2024 leg of the tournament, winning matches against Denmark, Qatar, Kuwait, and Kenya. They were on song with bat and ball, and expectations were high for a good finish. However, the 2025 phase in Jersey proved tricky for PNG, as they lost to Denmark, Kuwait, and Jersey, the last being a heavy defeat by 160 runs, and rain washed out their encounter with Kenya.

Despite the inconsistencies of the side, there were some outstanding individual achievements. Captain Assad Vala led all comers with the bat with 213 runs at 35.50, which included an innings of 129 not out. Seam bowler Kabua Morea was also outstanding, taking 23 wickets at 16.08. Underlined his worth to the side as PNG’s go-to bowler.

Tournament Context

The Challenge League forms an important part of the ICC’s pathway for associate nations with a goal to qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. PNG still remains in the qualification picture but will need to be more consistent in the final phase in Qatar next year.

For the last few weeks, the talk of the town has only been around the Indian ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, who, according to several reports, is not in the plans of the Indian side for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The veteran has already hung up his shoes from the shortest and longest formats of the game. 

Rohit, after lifting the title during the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America, beating South Africa in the final, decided to end his T20I career before taking another such decision in the red-ball format just weeks before the start of the five-match away Test series against England.

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Both these decisions come for the veteran to keep full focus on the ODI format, where he aims to make an impact during the next World Cup, especially after losing the 2023 edition’s final against Australia in Ahmedabad, despite being unbeaten for the entire tournament. But the BCCI seems to have a different plan regarding this.

Rohit Sharma not in the BCCI plans for 2027 ODI World Cup: Reports

A few reports also claimed that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia down under could also prove to be an acid test for the Nagpur-born. If he doesn’t do well with the bat in those three fixtures, then it will be tough for him to stay in the national side. It has also been informed that BCCI wants the batter to go to the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 for Mumbai.

ROHIT Not In Scheme Of 2027 WORLD CUP - TOP BCCI SOURCE

Thank You 🙏 pic.twitter.com/liHpHDx4H7

— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) August 20, 2025

Under Rohit, the Blue Brigade recently won the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, beating New Zealand in the final. In terms of his performance, the Mumbai batter is the tenth leading run-getter of the format in world cricket with the help of 11168 runs in 265 innings at an average of 48.76 and a strike rate of 92.80 with 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries.

Shubman Gill has already become India’s vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025. He is the frontrunner to take the captaincy role in ODIs in the future. If Rohit doesn’t turn up well in Australia, then it could be curtains for the Champions Trophy-winning veteran captain of the Indian side.

For the last couple of days, the reports have claimed that India’s two veteran batters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are expected to retire from the ODI format. It has been revealed that the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia down under could prove to be their last appearance in the 50-over format if they don’t do well.

Rohit has earned success as the batter and captain of the side in the last 18 months, having led the side to the runners-up end of the World Cup 2023 at home before lifting the title in the Champions Trophy 2025, beating New Zealand in the final. But since then, he has retired from the longest format of the game just before the England series.

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Amidst all the speculations, a video has gone viral which shows Rohit Sharma talking about his future in the 50-over format just after winning the Champions Trophy 2025. The Nagpur-born reckoned that if they keep on winning, then he won’t retire from the ODIs at all. His eyes are on the upcoming 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Watch: Rohit Sharma drops hint of playing ODI World Cup 2027

Rohit is one of the most successful members of the Indian ODI side. He is the tenth leading run-getter of the Blue Brigade with the help of 11168 runs in 265 innings at an average of 48.76 and a strike rate of 92.80 with the help of 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries at the best score of 264 runs against Sri Lanka.

Rohit: Har baar jitenge to har baar retirement thodi lunga 😭❤️

2027 WC dream is still on🔥🧿

pic.twitter.com/70QnvXM9V7

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) August 15, 2025

Reports claimed that the selection committee wants the veteran to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 to keep the shape and rhythm with the bat before the upcoming home series against South Africa and the New Zealand series. Having taken retirements from two formats, he won’t find it easy to keep the same flow going.

Rohit hasn’t revealed anything about his ODI future. But with two months to go, the final decision is yet to be taken. As of now, it’s confirmed that he and Kohli will surely play the ODI World Cup 2027.

Rohit Sharma could soon be back in domestic cricket, with reports suggesting the India ODI captain may turn out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to start on December 24. The development comes amid murmurs about his and Virat Kohli’s future in the 50-over format, with the 2027 ODI World Cup four years away.

The BCCI, keen to keep senior players match-ready, is reportedly considering asking both stalwarts to feature in the premier domestic List-A competition. The logic is simple: consistent game time at all levels will help assess whether the veterans still have the form and fitness to remain part of India’s long-term ODI plans.

For Rohit, this could be a significant return. The last time he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was in October 2018, when Mumbai won the tournament. He featured in two knockout matches that season, remaining unbeaten on 33 in the quarter-final against Bihar and scoring 17 in the semi-final against Hyderabad. He missed the final due to national duty, as India faced the West Indies in an ODI the very next day.

Kohli’s Vijay Hazare absence has been even longer; he last played for Delhi in February 2010, scoring 16 against Services. Should the selectors insist on their participation in 2025-26, it would mark a rare domestic one-day appearance for both.

ALSO SEE: From the archive: Full scorecard of Virat Kohli's last domestic List A match

Domestic Return Hinges on Form and 2027 World Cup Plans

India’s schedule complicates matters. After ODIs against Australia in October and South Africa in late November-early December, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will slot in before the New Zealand ODI series starting January 11. Realistically, if Rohit and Kohli are selected for that series, their availability for most VHT games will be minimal.

At this stage, the prospect of seeing the two legends play in the competition depends on two factors: their ODI form in the upcoming six matches before the VHT, and the selectors’ vision for the 2027 World Cup. If they fire against Australia and South Africa, the domestic outing may become unnecessary. But if it runs dry, the VHT could become their proving ground.

For now, Mumbai fans can only hope the possibility turns into reality, a chance to see Rohit Sharma don the Mumbai colours in the Vijay Hazare Trophy once again.

The talk has turned serious: the two current cornerstones of Indian cricket (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) may not be in the picture for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. It has been suggested that the three-match ODI series against Australia (in October this year 2025) could be their last unless they play the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy to show their form and fitness.

In a world where fans have watched these two potentially carry Indian cricket's batting hopes for more than a decade, the idea is nothing short of earth-shattering. Kohli and Rohit have already said goodbye to T20Is and Tests, assuming we will ever see them in white-ball cricket is a little hard to imagine, it is like imagining a stage play without its lead actors. While it is paramount that young talent is produced and that succession planning is undertaken, there are compelling reasons why Indian cricket should keep the door significantly ajar for these two greats.

1. The Ultimate Big-Tournament Players

World Cups are not just another series; there is nothing bigger in the game. In the years to come, Kohli and Rohit have delivered much more than consistently.

• Rohit Sharma was the top scorer in the 2019 edition with five centuries - you have to qualify anyone in World Cup history, intellectual and real.
• Virat Kohli has held the fort with vital chases almost every ICC tournament since then; his record in knockouts speaks volumes about his mental resolve.

When the pressure cooker is turned on maximum and your allotment for mistakes is zero, these are the people who have continually risen in times of critical action. Sure, the kids may have the skills, but this type of temperament only comes with experience.

2. Age Does Not Equal Decline

In 2027, Rohit will be 40, and Kohli will be 39, ages when athletes in cricket phase into their final stretch. We have also communicated that fitness training and fitness recovery are different beasts today, with the methods available in a constantly changing landscape of recovery. Kohli has changed the narrative when it comes to Indian cricket’s culture of fitness and performance. Kohli has reimagined fitness, exhibiting undeniable endurance and exceptional agility. Rohit, though he has had an injury here and there, remains a sharp cricketer in the field of play and runs between the wickets.

Presently, many greats in the game have been playing at the world-class level into their late thirties and early forties all around the globe. At forty, Misbah-ul-Haq led Pakistan to a World Cup semi-final, and Chris Gayle was playing T20 World Cups at forty-two. It should be on form and fitness, and not a calendar birth date.

3. Their ODI Fortress is Still Unassailable

These two players are not just veterans; they are still among the top players in the format:

• Virat Kohli 302 matches, 14,181 runs, average 57.88, 51 hundreds.
• Rohit Sharma 273 matches, 11,168 runs, average 48.76, 32 hundreds, and the only player in history with three ODI double hundreds.

These are not the numbers of two players living on past reputations - these numbers are active evidence of world-class contribution. 

ALSO SEE: Four shortest ODIs to be played between two full member nations in the 21st century (in terms of balls)

4. Leadership and Mentorship

Even if the management is looking to bring in some new leadership for Shubman Gill or another new captain, taking Rohit and Kohli along to the squad for 2027 could be a huge benefit. They could help mentor the developing batters, particularly in the higher-pressure phases of the tournament. They could provide feedback for tactical decisions.

The combination of youthful exuberance and experienced calm normally wins tournaments; it's the combination that has seen India win the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011.

5. Transition is Easiest When it is Ongoing

Cricketing transitions are the most effective when done with care. The evolution from Sachin-Dravid-Ganguly-Laxman to Dhoni-Kohli-Rohit did not occur spontaneously. The senior players remained long enough for the next generation to step in while still being able to provide on-field support.

Elimination of Rohit and Kohli at the same time would create a leadership void and not allow younger players to take advantage of learning from two of the best limited-overs batters in history.

6. The 2027 World Cup Will be in South Africa

South African conditions typically require experience and adaptability; the pitches can be problematic with decent pace and seaming movement. If we factor in Rohit's security in Australian and South African conditions, along with Kohli's phenomenal overall overseas batting aggregate, India has an intrinsic advantage in terms of overcoming challenges. The proven ability to adapt is likely to be the defining competence in close-fought contests.

No one can say Indian cricket lacks young batting talent: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, and so on, but let’s be clear: we are not looking to the 2027 World Cup for an investment in the future. We are looking to win in the present, when the tournament arrives.

If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still fit, motivated, and making runs, they have to be in that squad. Leaving them out simply for the sake of transition can be reckless and ultimately costly in terms of whether India is successful in winning the trophy. Great players can produce moments that change the game under extreme pressure.

A world of difference exists between people seeing Kohli punching the air after a winning cover drive, and Rohit raising the bat again for another century, compared to just being beautiful memories. They are much more defined as to why they should be on that biggest stage, one last time.

Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has supported Virat Kohli and believes Kohli should consider participating in the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup if he stays fit and is in form.

Speaking in an interview, Sharma said, “If Virat Kohli is fit, then why shouldn’t he play in the 2027 World Cup? Look, age is just a number. If the selectors believe that a player is fit and Virat himself feels that his body is fine, then he should definitely play.”

Kohli, who will be 39 at the time of the 2027 edition, continues to be one of the best ODI run-scorers in ODI cricket history. As of August 2025, he has amassed over 14,000 ODI runs at an average of nearly 58 with 51 centuries, which is second to Sachin Tendulkar. He has exhibited his ability and hunger for the game with some match-winning innings in the last two years, including during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Sharma stressed that the final call will depend on Kohli’s own assessment of his body and mindset. “Virat knows himself better than anyone. He will only take the field if he is sure he can win matches for India,” he added.

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Chetan Sharma Sees No Age Barrier for Kohli’s 2027 World Cup Dream

The former selector also highlighted the importance of balancing experience with youth. While the 2027 World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, could be a platform for the next generation of Indian cricketers, Sharma believes the presence of a seasoned campaigner like Kohli could be invaluable in high-pressure situations.

India’s selectors will face tough decisions in the coming years, especially with limited ODI fixtures on the calendar. Form, fitness, and team combination will all play key roles in determining whether Kohli gets one final shot at World Cup glory.

For now, the message from Chetan Sharma is clear – if the body holds up and the runs keep coming, there’s no reason to rule Virat Kohli out of the 2027 World Cup. After all, in cricket, as Sharma puts it, “age is just a number.”